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Public Energy unleashes Wearable Art

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There is something truly original about a dress made of bandages. Another dress, made from wire from a local hardware store, can only be described as a one-of-a-kind creation.

Both were the handiwork of local artists who lent their skills to the Wearable Art Show’s Runway Challenge last year, an annual fundraiser for Public Energy, a non-profit organization that promotes dance, art and artists in the community.

The show returns for its third year Feb. 9. The fashion show challenges local artists to create unique couture with supplies from local shops.

Artists were paired with their shops Wednesday during a press conference at Market Hall.

One can only wonder what Kenner student Kirsten Smith is going to create with supplies from Green Up, Peterborough’s environmental non-profit agency.

Smith could only grin when she thought about her new assignment.

She’s already working on an exhibit as part of her international baccalaureate program at Kenner.

Smith’s theme for that exhibit centres on human impact on the environment. Recycling is a big part of that, she said, and it’s something she hopes to work into her design for the catwalk.

Beyond that, she has few ideas. She only found out about the challenge Tuesday.

“I’m kind of thinking I want to do something with pop-can tabs,” she said.

It’s Green Up’s first year participating in the fundraiser, and Paula Anderson, manager of waste reduction and Jennifer Mortlock, acting executive director, were delighted to be a part of it.

Anderson pointed out that the show is a lot of fun. But it also gets people thinking about creative and new uses for old products.

This year’s show features six unique outfits from seven local artists.

On Wednesday the six other artists — Janet Howse, Vicky Paradisis, Shannon Taylor, Wendy Trusler and the team of Cath Adele and Judith Mason — drew the name of the local business which will supply them with the material they’ll need for their creations.

Custom Copy, East City Flower Shop, Lakefield Pantry, Millwork/RONA Building Supplies, and Pammett’s Flower Shop are giving each artist a gift certificate. The amount will be determined once the artist starts planning her creation.

Last year’s show raised $5,000 for Public Energy, show co-ordinator Howse said.

Funds help support the company’s programs and art shows for new and established artists, she explained.

In addition to the unique creations featured on the runaway there’s a wearable art show, a silent auction and a live auction featuring work created during the event by artists.

Public Energy is still looking for artists to contribute to the “wearable art” portion of the evening.

Anyone interested in participating can contact Public Energy at 705-745-1788.

Tickets for the Feb. 9 show are available at Market Hall or by calling Public Energy.

Model Nadine Changfoot wears an outfit created by Martha Cockshutt during the launch of The Wearable Art Show featuring the runway challenge presented by Public Energy on Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2013 at Market Hall Performing Arts on George St. in Peterborough. The runway challenge artist/designers are Cath Adele and Judy Mason, Janet Howse, Vicky Paradisis, Kirsten Smith, Shannon Taylor and Wendy Trusler. The Wearable Art Show is Public Energy's major annual fundraising event. Clifford Skarstedt/Peterborough Examiner/QMI Agency